Device, system, and method for providing an improved surface over a telescoping rod

ABSTRACT

Rigid, when deployed, durable strip adapted to bridge a desired portion of a telescoping rod, such as a curtain rod. In such an embodiment, the strip may act as an intermediary between the individual curtain rod pieces and the curtain rings by sitting on top of the rod and allowing the rings to glide smoothly from one end to the other by circumventing or eliminating catch points that are encountered when transitioning between gradients of the telescoping rod. Related systems and methods are included.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/959,475, filed Jan. 10, 2020, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully restated herein.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a device, system, and method for providing an improved surface over a telescoping rod.

Telescoping rods are used for a variety of different purposes and end uses. For example, telescoping rods may be useful for providing a more convenient and economical way to transport what would otherwise be a long rod having a fixed length that would make it cumbersome and costly to transport. Telescoping rods may also be used to facilitate a variety of end uses. For example, telescoping rods may be useful to allow for use in different locations that have different lengths to be spanned.

A telescoping rod typically collapses into itself in order to vary its length. In a common scenario, the length may be changed by adjusting the degree to which the rod collapses into itself. Other types of telescoping rods may have different adjustment mechanisms. As such, unless expressly claimed otherwise, it is not intended to limit the present invention to use with any particular type or use of telescoping rod.

While a telescoping rod may have its benefits due to its adjustability, a telescoping rod also may not function as well in other respects as a comparable single piece rod having a fixed length. For instance, with a traditional telescoping rod, an uneven ridge may be created between sections of the rod. For example, when a traditional telescoping rod is partially or fully extended, there may be a respective ridge at each location in the transition from one section of the rod to another section of the rod. As a result, a telescoping rod may have at least one ridge (e.g., often multiple) along its length when partially or fully extended. The at least one ridge may inhibit the desired use of the telescoping rod.

A telescoping curtain rod is an example where the at least one ridge may inhibit the desired use. A telescoping curtain rod is used to hang a curtain such as over a window or to screen off an area. Likewise, a telescoping rod might be used to hang shutters, sheets, or any other type of covering. Often, the curtain or other covering is suspended from the telescoping rod by multiple rings. Such rings are intended to slide along the telescoping rod in order to open or close the curtain or other covering. As the inventor has discovered, the rings may be caught on even a small ridge created by a telescoping rod, thereby inhibiting the opening or closing of the curtain or other covering. When the telescoping rod is located well overhead, a user may have difficulty pulling or otherwise advancing the rings over each ridge. Such difficulties are particularly exacerbated when there are multiple ridges to go over, which is often the case.

The known art has not sufficiently addressed such problems. For instance, a drapery pull rod/wand/tender comprises a visually unappealing stick intended to allow a user to pull the rings across a curtain rod. However, such a rod/wand/tender may often fail in its function to pull a curtain rod's rings across a ridge of a telescoping rod. Additionally, such a rod/wand/tender may be cumbersome to use as each ridge is encountered along a telescoping rod. Another example is a joint ramp, which takes the form of a ramp at the top of a rod that must be taped in place or otherwise functions as a collar that encircles the entire rod. In either case, a joint ramp does not facilitate a completely smooth transition over the ridged surfaces. Yet another example is tape, which may be commercially available as curtain glide tape or EZYGLIDE™ tape. However, tapes are commonly made from a pliable material that will bend over time, eventually mating to the ridges of the original rod. As a result, tapes will eventually provide an uneven surface that will catch the rings of a curtain or other covering.

The inventor was plagued for years with requests to solve the lack of functionality of telescoping curtain rods. Multiple marketed products, which included tenders, ramps, and tape, were tried, and none of the currently available products created a satisfactory result. It was eventually attempted to slide a curtain rod ring over a single layer of SCOTCH™ tape placed in the middle of one rod. It was found that the curtain ring still caught, unable to overcome the friction coefficient and continue its path down the curtain rod when the applied force came from pulling the curtains from a position below the rod.

Consequently, there is a need for a device, system, or method to circumvent the at least one ridge in a telescoping rod. Likewise, there is a need for a device, system, or method to provide a smooth surface over a telescoping rod. There is also a need for a device, system, or method to facilitate smoother opening and closing of a curtain or another covering across a telescoping rod.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may satisfy at least one of the aforementioned needs. Realizing a small piece of tape inhibited the ability of the rings to travel along the telescoping rod, the inventor discovered that a solution would be to eliminate or circumvent a change in gradient of a telescoping curtain rod. While measuring the length of a current telescoping rod with the intent to purchase a single piece curtain rod, the inventor discovered that the measuring tape extended the length of the rod substantially without collapsing or losing its shape. When the measuring tape was inverted and placed on the rod under the curtain rings from end to end, it eliminated the transition between the different diameters of the telescoping curtain rod. In this example, this allowed the rings to easily travel from end to end on one continuous piece of material, which emulated the functionality of a single piece curtain rod. Further, this exemplary solution may be more compact (e.g., in diameter or other cross-sectional shape) than the telescoping curtain rod itself.

In light of this discovery, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide a substantially permanent solution (at least as compared to the aforementioned known tape art) which creates a relatively smooth transition between surfaces by substantially circumventing or eliminating the impact of a transition (i.e., ridge) between sections of a telescoping rod. One exemplary embodiment is a strip (which is also referred to as a bridge herein) comprised of a sufficiently rigid material that is adapted to be placed on a telescoping rod to circumvent or eliminate the catch points when transitioning between the gradients of a telescoping rod. For example, a strip may be comprised of a sufficiently rigid material that is adapted to substantially maintain its shape during the intended use of a telescoping rod (e.g., the opening and closing of a curtain). In one exemplary embodiment, the shape of a strip may have a substantially uniform thickness, which may further facilitate circumvention or elimination of the catch points.

An example of a strip may be adapted to extend across substantially an entire length or only a desired portion of a telescoping rod. In one embodiment, a strip may be a substantially single piece component and/or otherwise comprise a single surface over which a curtain (or other covering), and/or its associated rings or the like, may travel without getting caught. However, other embodiments of a strip may comprise multiple parts, pieces, and/or materials and still provide the desired functionality. Furthermore, some embodiments of a strip may be comprised of substantially a single material (e.g., most preferably steel). In such embodiments, substantially a single material is not meant to exclude primarily superficial materials (e.g., branding, markings, paint, stickers, etc.). However, other embodiments of a strip may be comprised of multiple materials and/or layers.

In yet another embodiment, a strip may have a curved profile or other suitable shape to rest on a telescoping rod. More preferably, a strip may have a profile or shape that is adapted to generally match a shape of a portion of a telescoping rod on which it is adapted to be placed. Additionally, some embodiments of a strip may be adapted to be compactible when not in use. Other variations are also possible that enable a desired circumvention or elimination of the catch points in a telescoping rod.

Furthermore, other exemplary embodiments may include a method for using or compacting such a strip. Exemplary embodiments may also include a system to facilitate the use of a strip; to facilitate the securement of a strip across a telescoping rod (e.g., such as with a mechanical fastener, tape, or other adhesive); and/or to facilitate the compaction of a strip when not in use.

In addition to the novel features and advantages mentioned above, other benefits will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a known telescoping curtain rod and associated curtain rings.

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the known telescoping curtain rod and associated curtain rings of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective and partially exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a bridge (i.e., strip) of the present invention, wherein the bridge is positioned over a known curtain rod, such as that shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end and partially exploded elevation view of the bridge of FIG. 3, wherein the bridge is positioned over the example of the known curtain rod of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a bridge (i.e., strip) of the present invention, wherein the bridge is compacted into a coil shape when not in use on a telescoping rod (e.g., such as for storage or transport).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device, system, and method for facilitating a relatively smooth transition between sections of telescoping rod by substantially circumventing or eliminating the impact of a transition (i.e., ridge) between sections of a telescoping rod. Exemplary embodiments refer to use of the invention for a telescoping curtain rod to facilitate the desired movement of curtain rings when opening or closing a curtain. However, unless otherwise specified, other exemplary embodiments may be useful for other types of telescoping rods. Also, for ease of reference, a ring is not limited to a circular shape herein, and may refer to any structure or material (e.g., eyelet, grommet, perforation, opening, etc.) that is adapted to rest on or slide across a telescoping rod such as for, but not limited to, for opening or closing a curtain or other covering.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of a common telescoping curtain rod 10, such as may be in use in homes across the U.S. Rod 10 comprises at least sections 12 and 14. Such as in this example, rod 10 may have at least one ridge 16 (i.e., transition or change in gradient), and often multiple ridges 16 when fully extended. When moving curtain rod rings 18 from Position A into Position C, rings 18 will catch on the transition 16 between the smaller diameter rod section 12 and larger diameter rod section 14 located in Position B. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, rings 18 make contact with the top of the rod 10 and get caught by at least one ridge 16 when the curtain is open or closed.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show an example of a common telescoping curtain rod 10 with an exemplary embodiment of a telescoping curtain rod bridge 20 (which may also be referred to as a strip herein) of the present invention installed. In an exemplary embodiment, the bridge 20 may extend from one end of the smaller diameter curtain rod section 12 to the opposite end of the larger diameter curtain rod section 14, laying on top of both. Unlike FIGS. 1 and 2, common curtain rod rings 18 make contact with and slide along the bridge 20. As rings 18 are moved from Position A into Position C, the rings 18 do not catch in Position B because they are still only contacting and sliding along the bridge 20 and no longer have to transition from one rod section 12 to the other rod section 14.

Bridge 20 is adapted to substantially eliminate or circumvent a change in gradient (i.e., ridge 16) of a common telescoping curtain rod 10. In one exemplary embodiment, bridge 20 is comprised of a sufficiently rigid material such that bridge 20 substantially does not collapse or lose its shape when positioned on and during intended use of rod 10 when opening or closing a curtain. As a result, the transition between the different diameters of sections 12 and 14 of telescoping curtain rod 10 may be substantially circumvented or eliminated. In this example, bridge 20 is adapted to allow the rings 18 to easily travel from end to end (or other desired portion, e.g., such as when partially opening or closing a curtain) on one continuous piece or strip of material, which may emulate the functionality of a single piece curtain rod.

An exemplary embodiment of bridge 20 may be comprised of steel for sufficient rigidity. In one exemplary embodiment, bridge 20 may be similar to a blade of a common metal measuring tape. For instance, one exemplary embodiment of bridge 20 may be a metal strip that has a width less than 20 mm, more preferably between about 6 and 16 mm, and a thickness less than 0.3 mm, more preferably between about 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. Another exemplary embodiment of bridge 20 may have a width less than 2 inches and a thickness less than 0.5 inch. However, other exemplary embodiments may be comprised of different types of metal or other materials having sufficient rigidity (e.g., plastics, fiberglass, composites, etc.). Furthermore, other exemplary embodiments may have other dimensions (e.g., to be used for different sizes of telescoping rods). In one exemplary embodiment, the shape of a strip may have a substantially uniform thickness, which may be preferable to further facilitate circumvention or elimination of the catch points. However, some embodiments may have some variation in the thickness without compromising the desired functionality.

In one embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, bridge 20 may be a substantially single piece component (e.g., comprised of steel) and/or otherwise comprise a single surface 22 over which a curtain (or other covering), and/or its associated rings or the like, may travel without getting caught. However, other embodiments of a bridge 20 may comprise multiple parts, pieces, and/or materials and still provide the desired functionality. Furthermore, some embodiments of bridge 20 may be comprised of substantially a single material (e.g., most preferably steel). However, other embodiments of a strip may be comprised of multiple materials and/or layers.

An example of a bridge 20 may be adapted to extend across substantially an entire length of rod 10 or only a desired portion of rod 10 (e.g., only where necessary to circumvent or eliminate a change in gradient). Additionally, in one exemplary embodiment, bridge 20 may extend sufficiently around and have a shape to securely rest on rod 10. As such, some exemplary embodiments of bridge 20 may not require any other attachment mechanism in order to be used on rod 10. However, other exemplary embodiments may include bridge 20 in a system that also includes a means (e.g., mechanical fasteners, tape, glue, etc.) for attachment to rod 10 or a supporting structure (e.g., a wall).

Such as shown in FIG. 4, one example of bridge 20 may have a curved profile or other suitable shape (e.g., concave shape) to securely rest on a telescoping rod. More preferably, an exemplary embodiment of bridge 20 may have a profile or shape that is adapted to generally match a shape of a portion of a telescoping rod 10 on which it is adapted to be placed. However, other examples of a bridge 20 may have any other suitable shape that enables it to rest on a telescoping rod. For example, some embodiments of a bridge 20 may be planar or have an angular shape (e.g., to work with a different shape of telescoping rod).

Some exemplary embodiments of bridge 20 may also be compactible when not in use. FIG. 5 shows an example of bridge 20 in a compacted and coiled form 24 such as for transport or storage. Some embodiments may include bridge 20 in a system or kit that includes a roll, spring, or other structure around which bridge 20 may be compacted. For example, some exemplary embodiments of bridge 20 may be compacted in a manner similar to a metal measurement tape. However, other exemplary embodiments of a bridge 20 may have a fixed shape that may not be compacted (e.g., when dedicated for use with a particular telescoping rod).

In one exemplary embodiment, bridge 20 may provide a substantially permanent solution (at least as compared to the aforementioned known tape art, and preferably for as long as the associated telescoping rod is in use), which creates a relatively smooth transition between surfaces by substantially circumventing or eliminating the impact of a transition (i.e., ridge) between sections of a telescoping rod. However, in other exemplary embodiments, bridge 20 may be moved to another telescoping rod or other location as needed.

Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the optional or preferred features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain some of the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A component for bridging a telescoping curtain rod that has at least one ridge between rod sections, wherein the telescoping curtain rod is adapted to extend through curtain rings to support a curtain during opening and closing of the curtain, said component comprising: a strip adapted to be positioned on a telescoping curtain rod, said strip having a substantially uniform thickness, said strip comprised of a material that is sufficiently rigid to circumvent at least one ridge between rod sections such that said strip is adapted to substantially maintain said curved profile when curtain rings are slid along said strip during opening and closing of a curtain.
 2. The component of claim 1 wherein said strip is comprised of substantially a single surface over which curtain rings are adapted to be slid.
 3. The component of claim 1 wherein said strip is comprised of substantially a single material.
 4. The component of claim 1 wherein said strip has a curved profile.
 5. The component of claim 1 wherein said strip has a concave shape.
 6. The component of claim 1 wherein said strip has a shape that is adapted to generally match a shape of a portion of a telescoping curtain rod on which said strip is adapted to be placed.
 7. The component of claim 1 wherein said strip is compactible.
 8. The component of claim 1 wherein said strip is comprised of steel.
 9. The component of claim 1 wherein said strip is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, fiberglass, and composites.
 10. The component of claim 1 wherein said strip has a width less than 2 inches and a thickness less than 0.5 inch.
 11. A method for bridging a telescoping curtain rod that has at least one ridge between rod sections, wherein the telescoping curtain rod is adapted to extend through curtain rings to support a curtain during opening and closing of the curtain, said method comprising: providing a strip adapted to be positioned on a telescoping curtain rod, said strip having a substantially uniform thickness; and positioning said strip on said telescoping curtain rod; wherein said strip is comprised of a material that is sufficiently rigid to circumvent at least one ridge between rod sections such that said strip is adapted to substantially maintain said curved profile when curtain rings are slid along said strip during opening and closing of a curtain.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said strip is comprised of substantially a single surface over which curtain rings are adapted to be slid.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein said strip is comprised of substantially a single material.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein said strip has a curved profile.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein said strip has a concave shape.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein said strip has a shape that generally matches a shape of a portion of said telescoping curtain rod on which said strip is positioned.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein said strip is compactible.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein said strip is comprised of steel.
 19. The method of claim 11 wherein said strip is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, fiberglass, and composites.
 20. The method of claim 11 wherein said strip has a width less than 2 inches and a thickness less than 0.5 inch. 